My first competition

Competing for the first time on December 8th at Good Fight in Brooklyn, Ny Ultra heavyweight-215 lbs+ gi - age 30 and over. I've not been involved in a competitive sport in over 2 decades. Gotta say that My adrenaline gets pumping more and more as it gets closer. Can't imagine what it's gonna be like on game day. Advice will be greatly appreciated.

I plan on trying to play from the top as that's where I'm much stronger, however I've been training escapes like crazy against the biggest guys in my gym.

All I know is that I've not felt this much adrenaline in a long time. I'm pumped.

It means no more simple free rolling for you. David Koresh already stated it. There's a formula to winning. White belts need to learn that formula. You don't get to relax while somebody is in side control. You don't get to sit there after a sweep. You need to know points, you need to put yourself under time pressure. You need to let your partners know you're getting ready for competition. You need to know how to bend the rules:

For example I've had my guys "look" like they got completely dominated and in the end win 1 point to 0 points because the other guy never truly passed guard or maintained any level of control, but my competitor exploited one rule and got the point. Train as if you were competing it's as simple as that.

For example I've had my guys "look" like they got completely dominated and in the end win 1 point to 0 points because the other guy never truly passed guard or maintained any level of control, but my competitor exploited one rule and got the point.

Yeah but that's not fun nor badass. I try my best to have that not be the case, and yes I've lost because of it.

Yeah but that's not fun nor badass. I try my best to have that not be the case, and yes I've lost because of it.

Yes, and I personally don't play that way either. To some, including my students, winning is most paramount, so I show them how to do it. Me? I love the tap win or lose; and since I've only been tapped twice in competition I think I can give myself a pat on my back.

My game plan is to do whatever it takes to get the takedown and remain on top. It's easier said than done though as most guys in my gym are much more experienced than I am, so I usually get swept/tapped, etc.

My biggest concern though is gassing out. I've been doing sprints every other morning to try and help this but I am a semi large guy and I tend to gas quickly when rolling. Either way it feels really good to get into a competitive sport again, and I plan on enjoying myself win or lose.